The addition of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon adds needed backbone and steel to Syrah’s soft fruitiness. Actually, the Cab aromas of blackcurrants are so strong they tend to overpower the wine. In the mouth, it’s incredibly rich and dense, but it’s also velvety and creamy. It’s so succulent, you find yourself admiring the flavors a minute after the last swallow. Editors’…
— S.H.
(8/1/2001)
Stone fruits and oriental spices drive this richly textured, complex wine, whose velvety tannins make it drinkable now. Oaky, and a little soft, it contains about 10% Cabernet Franc. A fine Merlot from the eastern Santa Ynez Valley, which is quickly gaining fame as a haven for this variety.
— S.H.
(12/31/1999)
From an appellation that’s proved itself to be a natural home to this variety and a winery that’s clearly mastered it, a terrific white wine. Retains the grape’s grass and citrus profile while taming it with Sémillon and oak to create a lush, complex wine.
— S.H.
(9/1/2004)
Heavier and denser in every respect than the regular Sauvignon Blanc, this wine, a 60-40 blend with Sémillon, is also strongly leesy. The citrus flavors hit the palate with a strong dose of rich sour cream notes. The wine is dry and practically cries out for garlicky dishes.
— S.H.
(7/1/2003)
Here's a refreshingly crisp, creamy and complex white wine that seems a lot more expensive than it is. It's dry and rich in citrus, fig, white peach, apricot and spice flavors that finish long and pure. This is a very good price for a wine of this quality.
— S.H.
(2/1/2006)
A nice Merlot from a warmer region of the county, it shows plum, earth, cedar, currant and berry aromas and flavors. A little lean in the mouth, but dry and well crafted, with a nice oaky spiciness.
— S.H.
(9/1/1999)
A proprietary blend of Sauvignon Blanc (60%) and Sémillon (40%). Barrel fermented, and it shows in the oaky, leesy aromas, with lemon, fig and grilled almond. A very nice wine, round and rich and spicy, and notable for its classy, velvety tannin structure.
— S.H.
(9/1/1999)
Opens with lush aromas of citrus, butter, hay and peach. An inviting white wine with some richness; dry and citrusy, with spicy complexities. Won’t break the bank, either.
— S.H.
(10/1/1999)